“Shinshu Shuka” is one of the Gathas that is widely known and sung among Jodo Shin Buddhists. This Gatha debuted in 1923 on the occasion of the 750th Anniversary of Shinran Shonin’s Birth and 700th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Jodo Shinshu Teaching. Its English translation “Shinshu Anthem” was made by the Music Committee of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.

Shinshu Anthem
“Amida you speak to me in teachings profound!
What happiness you bring to me beyond all compare!
I truly seek to follow the way you’ve laid for us,
And gratefully rejoice in your infinite embrace.”

As you see in this English translation, we sing this Gatha in sincere joy of encountering with the Nembutsu teachings and with a sense of gratitude to Amida’s boundless Wisdom and Compassion that embraces us always just the way we are.

“Namo Amida Butsu” in honor of Shinran Shonin on the occasion of the Gotan-E (Birthday Celebration).